Friday, December 21, 2012

Pappardelle with Wild Mushrooms and Nutty Candy

Pistachio-Almond Brittle... appetizer? Dessert?

Pappardelle with Wild Mushrooms

It's earthy, it's comforting and it's light. Just what the proverbial doc ordered in the days leading up to Christmas. Especially here as we start Christmas Eve with a traditional Midwestern menu (and the Feast of the Seven Cheeses - what can I say - the Midwesterners don't do a lot of fish) for 40 people (lots of food and 4 generations under my roof - does it get any better?). Christmas Day continues to be an all Italian affair with as much food as the night before but for only 6 people.

It's a simple dish to enjoy between the two holidays, elegant for company and a balm for two grad students who just finished their finals. I found this in my mother's recipe file. Not sure where it is from but I love going through her files and picturing her talking to herself as she eyes the ingredients.
Recipe says this serve 8. Only as a first serving. I used more pasta and it served 5.

3. Place 1 cup of pasta in shallow bowl and top with mushroom mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve. Savor.

I don't have a huge sweet tooth (what I love about Italian cookies - is that they are not terribly cloying). But I saw this pistachio-almond candy in a long-ago Tastes of Italia and couldn't get it out of my head. I think when you see this - you won't be able to get it out of your head. And it's easy!

Poor mixture onto prepared baking sheet and smooth with a spatula until 1/4 inch thick. Chill. When completely cooled, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 2 cups of brittle.

We can't keep Luce out of the tree. He was born in the woods and was happy to see the woods brought indoors. He makes it to the top, sleeps in it and wreaks havoc making merry. We anticipate an ornament-less tree come Christmas. And we smile. I wish you lots of smiles, the merriest Christmas, sparkle in the dark days and a New Year brimming with new possibilities, joys and love. I am grateful to be part of this extraordinary food blogging community and thank you for your support in 2012.

27 comments:

I am longing for a bowl of that pasta and yearning for some of that pistachio almond candy, but what has really captured my heart is Luce. That picture is just so precious. How lucky is he to have found your family?

Papparadelle with wild mushroom sauce is one of my favorite combinations! I had such an amazing dish of the same on a trip in Florence, Italy, that I went back to the same restaurant the next day and ordered it again!

I saw your last post in email after a long time but it got deleted when sometimes you apply bulk action and then I forgot about it. Anyways,welcome again to the blogging world. I am saying yes to a bowl of pasta pistachio almond candy. There is something so comforting about mushrooms and that earthy balance they can add to a meal. Looks tasty! Warmest Christmas wishes to you and your family and above all to the lovely kitten. We should never forget our pets.

I love the idea of the Feast of the Seven Cheeses!! Very creative. And I do know what you mean about Midwesterners and fish. Love the Pappardelle and Mushrooms. I sometimes serve a similar dish, although I don't use fontina - I should try it that way, it sounds delish. And the Almond Pistachio Candy looks terrific. Wonderful picture of Luce! We've never had a cat that would climb the tree, but they always show a great fascination with it. We always hang ornaments that can't break on the lower branches - they're sure to get batted off!

I find myself torn between picking between a pasta dish and nut brittle...two overly appreciated treats for me. Today, I'll snatch your brittle...mostly because, I haven't treated myself to this delicacy in quite a while ;o)

Claudia, I'm thrilled you have a cuty like Luce to enrich your life...and yes, watch the Christmas decorations...lots of surprises to be had with kitties ;o)

All the very best going forward into the New year and of course...Buon Natale!

Count me in on anything with mushrooms. And pistachios for that matter. Luce is adorable in your tree. Our two Siamese cats opened all of our Christmas packages one year when we were at work. The looks on their faces when we got home were priceless. Cats!

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and the happiest of new years Claudia.Sam

I'm thinking the brittle could go either way, at least in my book. Sounds like you had a house full, that is always a good thing to me. But I have to admit, I'm so glad to be able to curl up on the couch for a few and take a breather. So glad you made your mom's recipe, it's a great way to keep her close to your heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. -Gina-

Pappardelle may be my very favorite pasta of all time. Don't ask me why, but it may have something to do with the fact that they're wide but still twirlable on your fork? Anyway, I can't think of any nice way to enjoy them than with a beautiful wild mushroom sauce.

Pappardelle may be my very favorite pasta of all time. Don't ask me why, but it may have something to do with the fact that they're wide but still twirlable on your fork? Anyway, I can't think of any nice way to enjoy them than with a beautiful wild mushroom sauce.

Claudia, That Pappardelle with Wild Mushrooms looks like a perfect dish! How nice to get 40 family members together for Christmas eve! A tribute to your mother! Your nutty crunch looks incredibly delicious!!